The Odessa College (OC) Students in Philanthropy is an educational leadership program designed and underwritten by the Abell-Hanger Foundation to increase an awareness of the value and importance of service to the community through philanthropy. The OC Students in Philanthropy program provides a structured class designed to educate, support, and promote philanthropic leadership in the community. Participants will develop, implement, and evaluate a fundraiser during the fall semester. In the spring semester students will distribute their funds to various non-profit agencies that benefit the community of Odessa based on numerous criteria, including site visits. Students selected to participate in the program will participate for one full academic year. The scholarships are funded at the end of each semester- after successful completion of all criteria has been met.
Guidelines & Eligibility Requirements
APPLICATION – Students must complete and submit the Student in Philanthropy scholarship application, resume and letters of recommendation by the assigned deadline. A personal interview by the Students in Philanthropy Director with each qualified applicant may be required. Any application that is unsigned, incomplete, or without proper attachments will be deemed ineligible.
GPA – Incoming freshmen: minimum GPA of 3.1 on a 4.0 scale.
College applicants: must have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.
HOURS OF ENROLLMENT: All participants must maintain a minimum course load of nine (9) credit hours per semester for the duration of the program.
CLASS MEETINGS – All participants must attend weekly class meetings on THURSDAYS FROM 12:30 - 1:30 throughout the program year. This time is not subject to change and is non-negotiable. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange all class or work schedules accordingly. Any student missing more than two meetings per semester will not receive funding.
COMMITMENT –Students must participate in both the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. Members are required to participate in all fundraising activities as well as various projects as determined by the Students in Philanthropy group.
COMPLIANCE – Students must comply with the Students in Philanthropy By-Laws and all related responsibilities and expectations.
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT – Scholarships of $750.00 per semester will be awarded at the END of each semester after verification that all requirements have been met. Funds are to be utilized only for the student recipient awarded the scholarship and the express purpose for which funds are awarded.
LOSS OF ELIGIBILITY – Students will forfeit their scholarships and their membership will be revoked if they do not abide by the Students in Philanthropy guidelines and requirements as specified above.
PRIORITY DEADLINE: MAY 31st
ROLLING DEADLINE 15th of each month (as space remains)
Contact utpb@studentsinphilanthropy.org with any questions.